Prioritize carrier access, road connectivity to BR corridors, facility layout for your SKU mix, and local labor availability. Also assess WMS compatibility, SLA penalties, returns reverse-flow processes, and the 3PL's ability to scale seasonally without capital exposure.

Warehouse layout, racking density, and segregation for returns or cold chain directly affect pick-path efficiency and order cycle times. Integrated WMS, real-time inventory visibility, and carrier APIs reduce errors and carrier spend while enabling faster cutoffs and same-day/next-day options.

Locating inventory here reduces regional ground transit and lowers last-mile costs versus centralized coastal hubs. It improves service windows to interior markets, expands available carrier pools for regional LTL and express services, and shortens replenishment loops to coastal distribution centers.

Negotiate clear SLAs with financial remedies, volume-tiered pricing, minimum term flexibility, inventory accuracy targets, and chargeback rules for exceptions. Include audit rights, business continuity plans, and defined lead times for seasonal capacity increases.